A NEW STEP

My Lindsey girl just learned to ride without training wheels!! She got it down fairly quickly to our surprise. These past 6 months she has had no interest in even trying and then suddenly yesterday she wanted to try and struggles to get the balancing right - then today got it and went. By the end of the week she will be an old pro!! I am so proud of you Lindsey!

I'm Back

Wow - it has been forever since I have posted..so long that my few readers may have lost interest and I seriously forgot my blog password and almost decided to forget blogging. Life these past 7 months have been stressful, challenging, hard, and interesting. There has been many life changing events happen and craziness that caused my mind to be a blank slate if I even considered posting a blog.

But the move is done, that was 1 of the big things that happened. We relocated hours away to Eastern Washington and although the house we were trying to buy fell thru and we now find ourselves renting and hope to buy soon...life has drastically slowed. So much so that I even have had troubles fighting boredum. But really ... I cannot be bored. There is no excuse for that!

I promised myself that since I WAY OVER-extended myself these past 2 years that once we moved and my previous life and responsibilities were over, which they now are...that I would SLOW down. Concentrate on being me, being a mother, being a wife and enjoying those roles. Don't fill up on a million responsibilities that aren't mine to take on.

This next year...I plan and hope to accomplish a year focused on being a good mom and wife, getting healthy and losing this weight, and focusing on my schooling. Those are the big ones! The most important. I have used for the first time ever the sentence, "Let me think about it and I will get back to you on that." Rather than committing to what was being asked of me. For me that was a huge step. I always say yes and I tackle a 100 things that people want me to do and because I try with every fiber of my being to be a person of my word I end up putting the truly important things, like my family and my health, on the back burner to do what I said I would do.

So....my new journey begins, 4 more weeks of summer break before our new life really starts. New school for my girls. We have started over and that has been a lonely challenge. I miss the green trees and cooler temperatures and mostly I miss my friends. A girl has to have her friends...thankfully with todays technology staying in contact with them is easier than ever but oh how I miss those hours of talk over coffee, seeing my friends face to face and getting the best hugs ever.

If you happen to think of us, send a prayer our way. Adjusting to new things and a new life is hard but oh, the possibilities!

I have been blessed!!

With these two beauties!

Need your help...

I have a situation I need some thoughts on...

If there is a person in your life that is supposed to be one of the most important people in your life only hasn't been due to their decisions. In fact this person has been absent nearly your entire life. You have chosen to forgive and move on. You have closed the door on that person...not because they make an effort to be there for you but their lack of effort has hurt you and why allow yourself to continually be hurt by this person? Not that they are even trying. Like I said they have been absent nearly your entire life.

Well, now you find out that this person is sick, needing surgery and has a bad heart on top of it.

Oddly you are confused by your emotions. You are not wanting to open the door that will lead to heart ache again and more lies. But what if this is the last chance to reconcile? What does reconcile even mean because this person would still not be apart of your life?

Do you make contact and let them know you are thinking of them? Even though you really are unsure what to even think? Do you go to the funeral when and if that should occur? Even though in doing so it would mean a financial burden. This would be the final chapter of closure ever... so what is your part in that?

And Here We go!

I know....a REALLY long time since I have posted but things have been stressful and my brain could not cope with trying to think of things to say. BUT....

It happened! We have a buyer and our house is pending!!! This has been a long 3 months.

Having Andy in Eastern Washington and me here taking care of 2 houses, 2 kids, homework and million other things have been challenging.

We move in 7 weeks! It is funny how it feels like yesterday that he left but at that time it felt like it was going to take forever. So our house is due to close May 24th. PLEASE keep us in your prayers that all goes as planned and we close on time. Things look good and we expect it will ...but you never know these days.

God's timing has been perfect so far...we trust it will continue to be.

Sweet Moment

Sweet...

Emily is really working on her reading and doing well. Her little sister is not far behind her and often you will find Emily helping Lindsey. I just love that! This sweet moment was just for fun. Lindsey getting cozy as her "big" sister (they are only 16 months apart) reads her stories.

This is Lady! And she is every sense of her name. Lady is 10 years old. This is the same look she had on her sweet little face 10 years ago when she was 6 weeks old - I had picked her out from a bunch on fun crazy little puppies all trying their best to be the one to be pet and played with. And here she was, sitting in the back just watching. She hasn't changed much!

Lady is probably the best dog there is. Very compliant and sweet. Meek and loving. She is perfectly content to just be with you. Whether for a walk or just laying next to you.

Our little Lady...

Out with a Bang!!!

The theatre group that I am apart of A.L.T.A. - www.altatheatre.com just finished our last performance of The Foreigner. This year was a great success!! We end with our last 3 shows sold out. It was many nights of great laughs and I thought I would show you the set that I have worked on for the past 3 months. Of course it was not just me - A.L.T.A. has a great crew of talented people.

This is my last year with ALTA since we are moving to Eastern Washington - I will miss them. They are a great bunch of people!

FYI - our community theatre performs in an active church. They let us transform their sanctuary for about a month into this!

Laura

Moving to Bellingham?

We just listed our house for sale. Anyone interested in moving to Bellingham.

We are in South Whatcom County near Cain Lake, 1.5 from Lake Whatcom.

http://www.nwhomes.net/idx/properties/16334/details.html

3019 Ridgeview Lakes Dr, Sedro Woolley Real Estate Listing | MLS # 16334

www.nwhomes.net

Come see this wonderful new(er) rambler. Enter the home via a covered porch, into the great room that has vaulted ceiling, wood burning stove w/slate surround, and architectural accents. The kitchen has loads of cabinet space, and all appliances are included. ...

MLS #: 16334

$219,900

3019 Ridgeview Lakes DrSedro Woolley (in Glenhaven - So. Lake Whatcom)98284See our listing if you are interested.

Come see this wonderful new(er) rambler. Enter the home via a covered porch, into the great room that has vaulted ceiling, wood burning stove w/slate surround, and architectural accents. The kitchen has loads of cabinet space, and all appliances are included. The master suite has walk-in closet and full bath. The yard is fully landscaped and includes a new 6' cedar fence; small shop; dog run; and children's play area. Walking distance to lake access and recreational amenities. A Must See!

Property Information

Bedrooms: 3Bathrooms: 2.00Square Ft: 1,284Lot Size: –

Year Built: 2005Prop. Type: Single FamilyCounty: WhatcomSubdivision: GlenhavenArea: BellinghamSchool District: Mount BakerStatus: Active

Schools Information

Elementary School: Acme ElemMiddle School: Mount Baker Jnr HighHigh School: Mount Baker Snr HighSchool District: Mount Baker

Additional Information

Garage: 2Fireplaces: 1Taxes: $1,996

Appliances: Dishwasher, Dryer, Garbage Disposal, Microwave, Range/Oven, Refrigerator, WasherBuilding Information: Built On Lot

Energy Source(heat):Electric,Propane

Exterior: Cement PlankedInterior: Bath Off Master,Dbl Pane/Storm Windw,Vaulted Ceilings,Walk-in ClosetParking Type: Garage-AttachedHeating/Cooling: Forced AirLot Details: Paved StreetRoof: CompositionSite Features: Cable TV,Deck,Fenced-Partially,High Speed Internet,Propane,ShopSewer: Septic,NoneTerms: Cash Out,Conventional,FHA,Variable Price LstgView: Lake

http://www.nwhomes.net/idx/properties/16334/details.html

Amazing Provision

A lot has happened these past few months that have clearly shown God's hand in our lives. This whole move to Eastern Washington has been an amazing, stressful and faith strengthening experience. First, to clearly see God's leading with providing Andy's new job. For him to be selected out of 70 people in a company that is usually hard to get into. 2nd, to have been notified by the President of WWU, the date after Andy accepts his new job that major cut backs are coming again and that he should follow whatever motivations he may have at this point.

And now be completely blessed by a family to live in their already furnished lake home, rent free until June to allow us to have our home in tip top shape, 24/7 to show. And we are only 3 houses away. A weight has been lifted and I feel blessed and provided for again by my God.

If He cares for me in that detail I have no doubt that He has a buyer for my home. We have to operate on faith that God will provide because in this market it is a slim chance to get an offer with a good price for our home. But God is leading this. He is in control. And His timing is and has been perfect!

I am blessed to see His hand on my life so clearly. Sometimes we are clouded and don't see it all the time... but I am blessed that now that I see it so much. Perhaps He knew that I needed to see it this clearly during time. Thank you my God. Your provision and love with these simple things is overwhelming!

Prayer for Grandpa

My 86 year old grandfather is in ICU. He was not breathing well and he had a blockage from gall stones. The toxins poisoned his body and he is now septic. He is on a ventilator and in a medically induced comma. His blood pressure was not stable and they have been trying to stabilize him with meds - in doing that it caused blood flow to go to his traumatized area which is good but leaving very little blood flow to his bad leg. Now his leg is purple and the doctors are concerned. I don't know what this may mean. If it means amputation to save his life and if he survives all this he will wish to have died and won't do well without a leg. He is not a very good patient.

Please also pray for my grandmother - she is very shakin. Thanks

Since you are Dying to know...

I will indulge!

1. If you could bring one character to life from your favorite book, who would it be?
Hard question - but I think it would be fun to spend a day with Anne Shirley from Anne of Green Gables. That and to spend a week in Narnia.

2. Where did you get your very first kiss?
In a tree house in the woods. I was 12 and it was not anything special. I was shocked that my mother new almost instantly - and called me on - she did not even know where my tree fort was

- still trying to figure that one out! :)

3. How did you welcome in the New Year?
This year...I was in bed by 7:00pm. I had not been sleeping well all week and I kept falling asleep on the couch - so I gave in and went to bed. It was wonderful.

4. What is your favorite Beatles song?
I am not very good with music ... I like it but the name of the bands and the name of the songs don't stay together in my head - so I have no idea who sings what. This is something I am often made fun of by my husband - we often have debates that are futile since I am so bad at it...

5. Donuts: Overrated, underrated, or 'bout right?
Not my thing either...I will eat one if we are doing that but I prefer a different pastry or pie.

I love pie. And ice cream.

Simple and Fun

Hello and Happy New Years!!!

it was a sweet surprise to see my friend Sash from Lemonade Makin Mama start her year off with a give away. You must go there and check it out for yourself. This handmade jewelry is so fun and made just for you. Check out Lemonades blog for the giveaway details.

Happy 2010!!

http://www.sashabrodeur.blogspot.com/